MAGNOLIA PARK: HOUSTON’S FIRST BARRIO
AN EAST END TRADITION

About

Magnolia Park is a historic Latino neighborhood located in Houston’s East End. The neighborhood was platted in 1890 across 1,374-acres by Thomas M. Brady and was named after the 3,750 magnolias planted by the developers. It was originally its own city, but it was annexed to Houston in October 1926. Magnolia Park remains one of the oldest Latino neighborhoods in the city of Houston.

Magnolia Park Día de los Muertos was established in 2014 by members of the Magnolia Park and East End communities. The event was organized originally as a block party—all within the cultural lens of the Día de los Muertos holiday—to accomplish these goals:

• Building community among neighbors.

• Supporting local artists and students.

• Providing area small businesses with a space to sell their goods and services.

• Developing relationships between neighborhood leaders.

Since its inception, the celebration has evolved and thrived—from 300 attendees its first year to over 7,000 attendees in 2022. Magnolia Park Día de los Muertos is unique among Houston’s large festivals, as it has always been free and organized by the community. Whether the celebration is a block party, a fully-realized festival or a short film, Magnolia Park Día de los Muertos will always be by and for the neighborhood.

All committee chairs are residents of Magnolia Park or the greater East End, and volunteer their time year-round to bring the event to life.

Inspired by a love for Magnolia Park and the people who live there.